Orgill focuses on expansion at show

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Orlando The 2008 Orgill Spring Dealers’ Market, held last week in Orlando, Fla., included news the hardlines distributor was expanding, with a new distribution warehouse opened in Kilgore, Texas, and two more planned for the Pacific Northwest and Midwest, as earlier reported by Home Channel News.

The show also focused on expanding product lines, new dealers, vendor presence -- on the show floor and also in the warehouse -- and new products.

“We had, I think, 225 new dealer prospects, which is one of the gauges of an event like this for us,” explained Ron Beal, president and CEO of Orgill.

“We’ve got a good representation of dealers from all different parts of the ‘three-legged stool’ there (hardware stores, home centers and pro-dealers),” he added.

Beal said that in light of the tough housing market, he was pleasantly surprised by the show’s turnout.

Orgill also expanded some of its own product lines.

“We’ve redone a lot of our core areas, electrical plumbing, and really have some exciting things going on,” said Beal.

Beal also mentioned a new ‘green’ section that was prominent on the showroom floor. “This is the first time we’ve ever focused on it,” he said. Beal noted that ‘green’ is something Orgill has been hearing its members request more and more, and while the focus on green at the Orlando show wasn’t large, the company plans to expand on it.

“We’re really going to splash green at our Chicago show,” said Beal. “We’re aware of it. It’s real. We’re working on things, and we know it’s an opportunity.”